Day 129 "Protection From The Enemy"

What would you do if you knew that someone was out to destroy you? For me, I believe I would do a couple of things. First, I would want to find out why? We humans are great for miscommunications. If there was something I could remedy, I would certainly make the effort to do so. Secondly, check my motivations and make sure that I was trying to live my life the best way I knew how. trying to be at peace with all people. For me, that is seeking to live each moment in love and trying to put the interest of others before my own. If I have grieved someone, I would try to make amends and ask forgiveness, seeking reconciliation in the relationship. Thirdly, take steps to protect the things around me from harm. It may be putting in a security system for the home, talking with my children to make sure they knew how to respond to strangers who might approach them, heighten my awareness of the things going on around me, make sure things were protected and secure electronically like our bank accounts. Fourthly, maybe inform my neighbors so that they, too, can be on watch for a suspicious characters in the area. And lastly, be prepared and ready to share with the person seeking to harm me a better way to live life-in a relationship with a living God. Perhaps, the person seeking to harm me knows of no better way to live than the life they have lived- and for some people, it hasn't been too good.

All those steps seem somewhat reasonable to deal with someone who seeks you harm in this world. But what about a spiritual foe? The Bible tells us that the devil is our enemy and that he prowls around seeking someone to devour and destroy.

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

What action can we take against such a foe? First, awareness that such a thing exists is always helpful. Be alert. Be watchful. Secondly, be self-controlled. It is said that a good defense is a good offense. Find out what things the devil doesn't like, what God likes, and do them. Act in a way that resembles your being a child of God. Not because you have to but because that is who you are. Live up to your identity in Christ. Stand firm in your faith.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the

authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of

evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God."

Ephesians 6:12-13

"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Ephesians 6:16

One of the best ways to resist the devil is to draw nearer to God. Jesus said,

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

When it comes to fighting Satan, the devil, knows that the victory has already been won at the cross. Satan, the great accuser, has nothing on those in Christ.

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those in Christ." Romans 8:1

Sometimes, the best defense is a great offense. Christ has already won the spiritual battle on our behalf! Stand firm. All we need do is have faith and rest in God's Spirit.

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"Do not be anxious about everything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

In Christ, the victory is already ours!

In his love, see you tomorrow...

"Carpe Momentum in Love" (Seize the moment in love)